Centerpiece for domino games

ABSTRACT

An electronic centerpiece for domino games has a plurality of integral flashing lamp-switch modules at respective players&#39; positions and a master integrated flashing lamp-switch module. Pressing a switch activates a flashing lamp in a lamp-switch module. The centerpiece has an upper recess configured to receive a master domino tile for a domino game.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of games, and particularly to an electronic game centerpiece for use in domino games, and adapted for more enjoyable game playing.

Domino games of various types have been known for many years. The game centerpiece of the present invention enhances the pleasure of domino games.

Electrical domino game apparatus with electrical means for indicating board positions, etc. are known in the art.

The present invention comprises electronic game apparatus for use in playing domino games. A game centerpiece is adapted to be supported on a table or other surface. A plurality of lamp-switch modules for players are defined about the centerpiece adjacent to indentations in the periphery of the centerpiece for positioning respective players' domino tiles. Respective lamp-switch modules are operable by respective players to provide flashing lights signals according to game rules. At each player's station, a lamp-switch module is positioned for use in signaling other players of the status and changes in play. A master lamp-switch module provides a flashing light of a color distinct from the color of the other of the plurality of modules and serves to inform players of particular status or condition in the play of the game.

Electrical supply is provided by batteries disposed in the centerpiece and electrically connected with the respective lamp-switch modules. The upper portion of the centerpiece has a recessed area to display a master domino tile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the gamepiece apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the game centerpiece of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the centerpiece of FIG. 1 showing a bottom surface, battery compartment door and switch; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the gamepiece of FIGS. 1 and 2 with a plurality of game tiles positioned by respective players in a game.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a centerpiece 10 having cutout portions 12 in its periphery to define stations for respective players, to receive a portion of a domino tile, as indicated in FIG. 4. A domino game is generally played by between two to seven players, typically using double-18 domino tiles.

The centerpiece 10 is of generally circular configuration and has an inclined wall 11 thereabout for improved visibility for game players.

FIG. 4 illustrates domino tiles in the play of a game, showing the master tile 24 disposed in a recessed portion 14 at the top surface of the centerpiece, with tiles 28 of respective players arranged as required in the course of a particular domino game.

An integrated flashing lamp 18 and on-off switch module comprising a unitary lamp and switch, produces colored light flashes when pressed and activated. A master integrated lamp and switch module of a distinct color, such as red, may flash for substantial periods of time during play of a dominos-game. A unitary switch and flashing lamp combination 18, and a lamp-switch combination 20 is disposed at each of a plurality of players' positions, as indicated in FIG. 1.

The color of the single such push-button master lamp-switch combination 18 may preferably be red, but may be of another color. The respective lamps 20 for individual players may preferably be colored green, to provide a flashing green light, but may be of another color.

The centerpiece 10 defines a sunken generally rectilinear area 14 to accommodate a master domino 24 for a game, The centerpiece preferably has a polished, finished surface, suitable for engraving.

The master lamp-switch 18 of the centerpiece activates a flashing light, typically red.

Pressing any of the players' lamp-switch modules causes a flashing light, typically green.

Pressing the red master lamp-switch module turns off the other lamps.

As shown in FIG. 3 the under side of the centerpiece has a cover 26 for a battery pack and circuitry for the lamp-switch modules 20 and 18. Typically four AAA batteries are disposed in the battery pack and the batteries are electrically connected with respective lamp-switch modules.

In utilizing the centerpiece apparatus of the invention in the playing of a dominos game, each player typically draws a certain quantity of domino tiles and the remaining tiles are disposed between any two players in an area 30 termed a “boneyard” from which tiles may be drawn by particular players according to particular game rules.

A wide variety of games and applicable rules may be utilized in the playing of respective dominos games, as is well known, and therefore no one game is herein described.

The object of typical domino games is for a player to win a round of a game by having a zero score, and by winning enough rounds, to win the game. A player who plays his last tile becomes the winner. Then, the other players add up their score or points according to tiles in their possession.

Before the start of a first round of play, a master domino tile is positioned in the recess 14 atop the centerpiece.

At the start of a typical game of dominos, tiles are spread face down on a playing surface. Each player then selects a prescribed number of tiles and positions them at his position before play commences, taking care to insure that the tiles indices are visible to only himself.

The features according to the invention, including the flashing lamps-switches, enhance the players' enjoyment by the ease of use of visual signals and lamps in the play of a game.

A player's store of tiles is not visible to other players until played. A plurality of unchosen tiles remains face-down and are placed in a boneyard between any two players.

Each player starts his personal line of tiles by matching the master tile disposed in the defined space 14. The player places a domino tile at his position, matching the master tile.

Play proceeds typically in a clockwise fashion from player to player in succession. If a particular player cannot match the master tile, he draws a tile from the supply of available tiles from the “boneyard”.

The present invention provides brightly illuminated flashing lamps to enable each player to readily recognize an opportunity to play off his tiles to any position other than his own, thereby reducing his score to increase his chances or probability of winning the game.

A flashing light at a player's station typically means that other players can play on his line of tiles or train in accordance with particular game rules.

A player can illuminate the flashing light at his station whereupon play passes to the next player in order.

If a player cannot play, not having a tile to match the master tile, the player switches on his flashing lamp to indicate he cannot play any domino. If the lamp of a player is thus “ON”, he is vulnerable to the receipt of a matching tile from other players, as they take their turn. This player then switches his lamp-switch “OFF” after another player plays a domino which would allow that player to play one of his own dominos at his position.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made from the preferred embodiment discussed above without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is established by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. Electronic game apparatus for domino games, comprising: a centerpiece adapted to be supported on a supporting surface, a plurality of lamp-switch modules for respective players disposed about the centerpiece, each comprising a flashing lamp and a switch to signal other players according to game rules, and a master lamp-switch module of a color distinct from the color of said plurality of modules to advise players of a particular status or conditions in the play of a game.
 2. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said flashing lamps comprise light emitting diodes at respective players' positions on the periphery of the centerpiece.
 3. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein respective lamp-switch modules are manually operable by respective players to provide flashing lights to signal according to game rules.
 4. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising electrical supply means to energize said lamps.
 5. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising battery means in said centerpiece and connected with respective lamp-switch modules.
 6. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the centerpiece has a battery pack in its lower portion.
 7. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an upper portion of the centerpiece defines a recessed configuration to receive and display a master domino tile for the playing of a domino game.
 8. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the under side of said centerpiece is generally flat for support on a table or the like.
 9. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a plurality of rectilinear cutouts equally spaced about the centerpiece to partially receive respective dominos at respective players' stations.
 10. Electronic game apparatus for domino games, comprising: a centerpiece adapted to be supported on a supporting surface, a plurality of lamp-switch modules for respective players disposed about the centerpiece, each comprising a flashing lamp and a switch to signal other players according to game rules, a master lamp-switch module of a color distinct from the color of said plurality of modules to advise players of a particular status or conditions in the play of a game, and said module lamps comprising light emitting diodes.
 11. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 10 wherein respective lamp-switch modules are manually operable by respective players to provide flashing lights to signal according to game rules.
 12. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 10 and further comprising electrical supply means to energize said lamps.
 13. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the centerpiece has a battery pack in its lower portion.
 14. Electronic game apparatus according to claim 10 wherein an upper portion of the centerpiece defines a recessed configuration to receive and display a master domino tile for the playing of a domino game. 